15690/1A FAMILY of rare big-eared and docile rats have been given a new home at Longleat near Warminster.

The Dumbo rats, who are named after Disney's famous elephant due to their unusually large ears, were originally rescued by the RSPCA.

They are now getting used to life at the popular attraction, under the watchful eye of keeper Darren Beasley.

He said: "These so-called Dumbo rats are becoming increasingly popular as pets all around the world.

"They are certainly cute and the ones we're looking after here do appear to have very good temperaments.

"Unfortunately, as with all rodents, they are also capable of reproducing at an alarming rate. This is the second family we have re-homed and we'd urge anyone who wants to keep them as pets to ensure they're able to look after them properly and to prevent them from breeding."

The rodents are actually normal rats that share a genetic mutation, which widens the ears and places them lower on the head. Like other 'pedigree' animals, Dumbo rats have been produced by selective breeding of large-eared males and females over a number of generations.